The curtain comes down on the 2006/2007 season this weekend when the final round of Premier League matches is played between today and Sunday.

The only remaining unsettled issue is third place in the Championship Pool. This will be contested between Valletta and Birkirkara, with the latter enjoying a two-point lead in the standings.

Birkirkara will meet Hibernians this evening (kick-off 8pm) and if they avoid defeat, third place, and a European berth, are there for the taking.

Finishing third would guarantee Birkirkara a place in the Intertoto Cup, at least, next season. But if Sliema Wanderers end up winning the U*Bet FA Trophy, then Birkirkara would qualify for UEFA Cup competition and the fourth placed team will play in the Intertoto instead.

Hibernians, who unlike Birkirkara, are still in the reckoning for the FA Trophy, will be depleted by absences of the suspended keeper Mario Muscat and midfielder Clayton Failla. Cohen and Scerri are nursing slight injuries and might also be doubtful starters.

Valletta will qualify for third place if Birkirkara lose and they beat Msida SJ in tomorrow’s match (kick-off 5pm). If Birkirkara draw against Hibernians, a decider may have to be played.

So the Citizens’ fate does not depend entirely on them but they may take stock from the fact that Msida’s defence will be bereft of two suspended key players in the likes of Josef Mifsud and Stefano Grima.

With the relegation issue long settled, the last two matches in the Relegation Pool, between Mars and Floriana (today at 6pm) and tomorrow’s between Pieta Hotspurs and St George’s (kick-off 3pm) will serve only to complete the formalities.

Sunday’s last match involves the newly-crowned champions Marsaxlokk and runners-up Sliema Wanderers (kick-off 5pm).

Although there is only pride left at stake, Marsaxlokk will be eager to return to winning ways after their reverse against Valletta on Monday, to end their memorable season in style.

Only Sliema, seeking to mar the champions’ celebrations with a second defeat this season, stand in their way. Kevin Sammut will miss the match for the champions, to serve a ban after being sent off against Valletta.

Whatever the outcome, though, Marsaxlokk will be presented with the Champions’ trophy at the end of the match, in a historic moment for the southern club and their expected long celebrations will be more than justified.